First Nations Leaders Reaffirm the Crown-First Nation Relationship

TORONTO, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and a delegation of Chiefs met with His Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to once again reaffirm the Crown-First Nation relationship.

"I would like to thank the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall for spending time with First Nations leaders today as we have an historical relationship with the Imperial Crown pre-dating the existence of Canada ," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "The meeting focused on the enduring relationship between First Nations and the Crown based on Treaties and noting the upcoming 250^th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763 in October 2013, and how renewing the relationship must be the basis of our work today to achieve fundamental change for First Nations in Canada."

Canada, as a successor state, has not honoured the spirit and intent of Treaties and the Chiefs made sure to remind them of previous assurances provided by Queen Elizabeth when she affirmed the Treaties in an address on July 5, 1973 to the Chiefs in Alberta, stating "You may be assured that my Government of Canada recognizes the importance of full compliance with the spirit of your Treaties".

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo met with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 2010.  He has also met with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall (2009) and Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge (2011). On each occasion, National Chief Atleo presented statements reaffirming the Crown-First Nation relationship on behalf of First Nations leadership in Canada.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN and National Chief Atleo on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail [email protected]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or e-mail [email protected]